Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-02-28
WASHINGTON
CRITICISIKG THE CONSUL SERVICE.
The Consular and Diplomatic Appropriation
Bill Passed.

WASHINGTON, d. c., February 90
The consideration of the consular and
diplomatic appropriation bill having been
resumed, Mr.. Platt inquired of Mr.. ALI
son whether the estimates of the State De-
partment were larger than the amount
the House had appropriated, and if 50,
whether he (Mr. Allison regarded the
estimates as eXtravagant.
Mr.. Allison replied that they were
extravagant, as compared with the apprO-
~priraions Of the last few years, and as
compared with the recommendations of
the former Secretary ofState.
4 long discussion ensued, during which
Republicans charged that the House had
cut down the estimates OF the State de-
partment without regard to the require
ments of the service, and hat when the
Senate made the necessary appropriations,
it would be charged with extravaganza in
increasing the appropriations made by the
Democratic House.
Mr.. salisbury defended the House from
these criticisms, and commended it and
the President for savinglarge amounts for
the country.
Mr.. PLUMB CRITICISED THE ADMINIsTRA-
severely for making unfit appointments,
but said that he was not unmindful of the
fact that the President had difficulty in
getting competent men i'll the Democratic
party and had consequently left many Re-
publicans in office. He spoke in terms of
ridicule of the American Minister at Lon
don, and of his predecessor, Mr.. Lowell.
he said was more proud of being a citizen
of the republic of letters than OF the repub-
lie OF the United States. Until some
American enterprise wa rot into the CON
sular and diplomatic service it was Just as
well to leave it in its present rule. If not
a disgrace, it was at all events no credit TO
the American people. 1t needed recasting
and rebuilding from turret to foundation
SsOne.'
Mr.. Call suggested sarcaStically that
there was no other way to elevate the con-
sular and diplomatic service, except to
have the Senator from Kansas elected Pres
ident of the United States, hut it so hap
pened that the people preferred to elect u
man of their own choice.
Mr.. Plumb said he was informed and
believed that
IL PRESENT MINISTER TO ENGLAND
naul.rt.1 h,hituolly and systematically
his duties rs minister, so far as they re-
lated TO the comfort, the convenience and
the interests of American citizens. lie
was informed and believe that the Ameri-
can Minister was practically n tOady TO
the British aristocracy. There ought
to he something of the dignity
of an American observed by the
Minister to England. In his judgment
neither Mr.. Phelps nor Mr.. Lowell should
ever have represented the United States
abroad. lie would not say that it was a
disgrace that they had represented this
country, but he would say that it was II
great misfortune which ought to be re.
paired by the removal of the present Min
lister.
Mr.. Morrill, defended Mr.. Phelps.
After u good deal of further deSultOTy
discussion the amendments reported 10y
the Committee on Appropriations were all
adopted with some others and the bill
was passed.
Agricultural BiIl Passed.
WASHINGTON, February 2G.-The Az
~ricultural Appropriation Bill was passed
l. " i'll -. .,,.rI,,,,4